French armed forces have intercepted two vessels carrying a combined total of nearly nine tonnes of cocaine in international waters near French Polynesia, raising questions about jurisdiction and prosecution as the drugs were ultimately dumped at sea and the crews released. The cocaine, suspected to be bound for Australia and South America, has an estimated street value of up to $2.28 billion.
Cocaine Seizures and Released Crews
The first vessel, crewed by 11 Honduran and Ecuadorian nationals, was intercepted two weeks ago carrying almost five tonnes of cocaine. French Polynesian President Moetai Brotherson confirmed authorities disposed of the cocaine in the ocean, citing overcrowded prisons as a reason for not prosecuting the crew. The vessel, known as the MV Raider, was then allowed to depart.
- Approximately five tonnes of cocaine were seized from the MV Raider, suspected to be destined for Australia.
- A second vessel was intercepted carrying 4.25 tonnes of cocaine, believed to be headed for South America.
- Both drug hauls were destroyed at sea, and the crews of both vessels were released.
On Wednesday, the French Navy seized another 4.25 tonnes of cocaine from a second ship near French Polynesia. This vessel, originating from Central America, was also believed to be bound for South America, and its cargo was also destroyed at sea, with the crew released.
The MV Raider recently docked at Avatiu Port in the Cook Islands after issuing a distress call for engine repairs. Cook Islands Customs conducted a search upon arrival on January 24 and reported finding nothing. The captain and crew were questioned.
Jurisdictional Questions and Regional Concerns
Brotherson stated that the initial interception occurred outside French Polynesia’s exclusive economic zone, classifying it as an international matter. He emphasized the need for cooperation between police and customs agencies throughout the Pacific, noting that information regarding the ships has been shared with regional law enforcement.
Australian Federal Police declined to comment on whether they were tracking the vessel or planning any arrests.
Steve Symon, chair of New Zealand’s Ministerial Advisory Group on Transnational, Serious and Organised Crime, described the volume of drugs traversing the Pacific as unprecedented. He noted a shift in drug trafficking routes from Asia to a new gateway through the Americas and the Pacific.
Symon attributed the increased drug flow to high demand and lucrative markets in Australia and New Zealand, which have turned Pacific states into transit points for smugglers. He highlighted the challenges posed by vast distances and unclear jurisdictional boundaries.
“We have police and customs liaisons, but what’s lacking is that cohesion of pulling together and having a plan,” Symon said. “There are a lot of cooks in the kitchen and it’s not clear who is making what meal.”
Brotherson also expressed concern about the impact of drug trafficking on Pacific island nations, citing increased addiction, decreased productivity, and a rise in related crimes and health issues, such as HIV transmission.
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